be your best caretaker

As most of us get to a certain point in our lives, we find ourselves in the role of being a caretaker to others. This can become overwhelming and very time-consuming. We place expectations on ourselves to be the very best we can for those who need us. What we often fail to do, however, is to understand that in order to be an excellent caretaker of others, we must be an excellent caretaker of ourselves.

One of the most fundamental ways we can take care for ourselves is through proper nutrition. If you are a caretaker, you are no doubt familiar with the concept of being the last to get your basic needs met (including meals) because you prioritize the needs of everyone else. So, you sacrifice and settle for what may not be best for you.

What would it be like to make sure that your meals are planned and prepared before those of your family? Would you feel selfish doing that? If so, get over it! It’s not even the slightest bit selfish to take care of your nutritional needs first. Now that you have that settled and I have your attention, you are thinking,“Ok, it may not be selfish. It may be in the best interest of myself and my family to make sure I am well-nourished, but who has the time to plan and prepare these meals?”

I am here to tell you that you do have the time and that it can be done. How do I know this? That’s simple! I do it every day! I guarantee that I am not a superhero, I am just an average person who has found a way to make it work.

The extra effort I have put into being mindful of how I nourish myself has yielded unbelievable returns. My energy levels and overall well-being are the best they have ever been! As a result, I have become a better caretaker of my family than I ever was when I was resorting to eating processed or take out meals!

Here is a simple healthy meal idea that can be prepped beforehand and easily packed for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or lunch!

Parmesan Broccoli Mini “Quiches”
Makes One Serving

Ingredients:
1 cup liquid egg whites
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1/4 cup grated parmesan

Combine all ingredients well and pour into a muffin pan lined with baking cups.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes and voila!

Nutrition:
Calories 223
Fat 7g
Carbohydrate 8g
Protein 35g

Be Well,
Amy Kovatis
deliver me wellness yoga teacher
Roseland, NJ